Westgate Will Open on Tuesday, September 6

Mon, 08/01/2016 - 1:08pm
by josie

The Westgate branch of the AADL will open on Tuesday, September 6 at 9:00 AM. We invite you to visit this newly renovated location, and to join us there for a public celebration on Sunday, September 18, at 12:00 PM. We will have music, food, and fun for all ages at this celebration of a new library in a familiar place.

Great news! Always impressed when major construction projects somehow finish on schedule. There's so many variables. (No, this isn't intended to be a swipe at projects that aren't completed by original projected dates.) So, excellent managing the projections and everything else, AADL!

REALLY looking forward to the reopening! I noticed we could order our summer game shop items to this location... is it open for picking that up? I chose a different location just in case that wasn't okay.

I too have been peering in regularly, and love following the progress. Even though I live within walking distance, I am very excited for all the patrons who get to use the back parking lot. That area has been underutilized for years!

As much as I have enjoyed trekking out to the Pittsfield branch, I am so excited that our branch is opening soon! Great job in getting everything done on time. From what we can see, the library looks amazing. I know we will not be disappointed.

I watched the video tour. It looks beautiful.I've been going to the library
since it was in the lower level of the old Frieze building. I appreciate how
thoughtfully the expansions have been made.
Thank you all for your work on this project.

The very good news is that the branch has an entrance in the rear of the shopping center and there is ample parking out back. Please drive around the Rite Aid end of the center and back to the south west corner and you will see that parking does not need to be a problem for anyone visiting the library or Sweetwaters at Westgate.

I'm SO glad !!!!!!!!! West was always 'the little engine that could' among the branches of the AADL system -now it's one the 'big dogs' !!! (Sorry about the tortured metaphors). It's my neighborhood branch and am happy it'll soon be back online. Trouble is, it looks so nice & upscale, I'm afraid I'm too scruffy to be allowed in !!!!!!!

@lindsaybalazer, I remember reading on some summer game blog post that they are allowing West for summer game item pickup because it will be open before the end of deliveries (some time later in September or maybe October?). In other words, if you're willing to wait, you can choose it now.

Ann Arbor probably has the greatest number of bookstores and cafes per capita of any city in the State: Huzzah! Our tax dollars at work for an eminently worthy cause. Bravo, A2 residents, City Council and AADL for reinvesting in one of the nation's best public library systems. This is how we do "growth mindset" as a community!

I remember taking my class here on field trips many years ago. It was so small, but they were able to squeeze us in. I hope the expansion allows more of this type of visit, as I was always astounded by how many students had never been to their public library before.

FINALLY! The best part about this announcement, other than this branch being nearer my home and NOT the downtown branch, is that now the librarians won't be so able to snap at me "I don't know," when I ask when Westgatel be open. Looking forward. Who knows, maybe they won't even have bathroom police like they do at the branch downtown. Hip, hip, hooray! Privacy, less odors, and who knows, maybe it will be quieter, the people will be more respectful and keep it to a hush or low whisper like in the Golden Olden Days ;=)

West will be four times bigger than it used to be. Also there will be a sweetwaters connected. Library books will be allowed in sweetwaters and sweetwaters items will be allowed in the library. Not sure that is a great idea?

I was lucky enough to volunteer last week at West. Wow! Even incomplete, it's absolutely beautiful. But I must say, my favorite upgrade is the book labels - large font and additional details. Definitely a win/win!

After visiting this spot, the place looks pretty impressive. There are at least three choices for students to work on course projects or group work together: the study rooms, the quiet reading room that is situated towards the back of the building, or the two meeting spaces.
The furniture colors are fantastic, too. Even the blue and green colors seem pretty soothing and calming.
I just wish there were other vending machines for some hot chocolate or coffee, instead of needing to spend four or five dollars.